Too good to be true?

From the Control Tower

Sometimes it is skepticism. Sometimes it is just basic math. But not everything pitched ends up working out. This week we've got a startup airline that lies and can't process a balance sheet, electric aircraft coming up short, and Japan plans stymied.

But also some great news as United's first plane with the new first class seat enters service and Southwest shifts its inflight commerce strategy to MOST.

Cabin Design

Global Airlines pitch deck delivers questionable claims, fuzzy financials in advance of A380 fleet launch

Global Airlines is grabbing plenty of attention of late. But a review of its financial pitch deck from 2021 raises far more questions than it answers, especially around partnerships and basic math skills.

A company executive has since claimed that everything is different now. But the founder who thought this was a good idea is still in charge, so not everything has changed.

United launches new first class seats for single-aisle fleet

First class passengers on United Airlines might soon be flying in newly designed seats. The new seat features upgrades to the inflight entertainment system, as well as improved comfort and privacy for travelers, with plans to install it on more than 200 (mostly brand new) single-aisle aircraft by 2026.

Southwest selects MOST for inflight retail revamp

Paying for drinks on Southwest Airlines became much easier in recent months, thanks to the deployment of more than 20,000 iPad mini 6 devices, loaded with MOST's retail solution.

Nourish proposes an inflight catering revolution

How can airlines offer a broad range of fresh food on board that passengers actually want, and even will pay for, while avoiding waste and the myriad challenges of airport catering services? Nourish, a UAE-based startup, believes it can solve that problem, bringing quality meals to travelers while also delivering a bit of incremental profit to airlines.

Loyalty

British Airways switches to revenue-based accrual for Avios

British Airways passengers will earn Avios based on how much money they spend, not how far they fly, starting later this year. The carrier is the latest to switch to a revenue-based accrual method for its loyalty program.

American Airlines raises rates, supplements services for Admirals Clubs

Passengers looking to escape the terminal in an American Airlines Admirals Club lounge will soon be asked to pay a bit more for the privilege, though the carrier is also adding some amenities inside to help soften the blow.

Norwegian, Strawberry link for loyalty reboot

Can a hotel and airline deliver value through a joint loyalty offering? Norwegian and Strawberry are about to find out as the pair team for a reboot of their offerings.

Other Industry News

United Sees Multiple Banks as a Key To Its Pacific Strategy

New destinations aren't the only thing driving United's growth across the Pacific. A second departure bank from San Francisco help dramatically grow the offerings.

Landline takes the bus inside security for American Airlines

Landline's bus service to and from Philadelphia is now considered secure by the TSA. As of this week American Airlines' passengers traveling from Atlantic City (ACY) or Allentown/Bethlehem (ABE) will clear security at the out station prior to their ride.

Delta denied Haneda slot flex request

Delta Air Lines may not alter its US gateways for flights to Tokyo's Haneda airport. The US Department of Transportation rejected the carrier's bid for flexibility in those operations.

Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport to offer US preclearance in 2025

Toronto's downtown airport will soon offer preclearance of immigration and customs for passengers traveling to the United State. The Canadian government will invest up to $30 million in the construction of facilities to support smoother arrivals for travelers headed to the United States.

Tecnam grounds electric aircraft plans

As the aviation world pushes aggressively towards alternate fuel solutions one major player is bowing out. Tecnam suspended work on its P-Volt project, suggesting that the technology available today for development of electric aircraft does not support the economics of further development at this time.